Rules
Rules were the biggest problem for this match. Especially after Ali's guys saw Inoki's sparring, they had a strong atttitude to threaten Inoki's side that they would boycott the match unless the restrictions are added with their requests. Inoki was forced to fight under a lot of restrictions.
Before the match, the rules weren't explained to the audience. If rules were recognized by the audience, the match might be evaluated in differently.
It was a problem that they didn't agree with the rules until the last minute, but more than that, the fact was that Inoki was not able to do much under these rules. So, they could not publically announce the rules.
The Rules Announced on May 26th

  1. TIME
    15 3min rounds, with 1min intervals
  2. POINTS
    5point system by a referee and two judges. The winner of each round is given 5points, and the loser receives 1 to 4 points. If the round is draw, both are given 5 points. Judged at the end of every match.
  3. UNIFORM
    1. Boxing trunks or pro-wrestling pants
    2. Boxing shoes or barefoot
    3. Boxing glove, karate protective glove, bare hand, or appropriate modification of these
    4. Boxer must have the regular 2inch gauze and 1inch tape on each hand. Bandage is to be checked by the boxing comission of Japan and the representative of the wrestler.
    5. Oil, grease, or other things are not to be applied on body, fist, hair, or glove.
  4. DECISION
    1. By scores from referee and judges after 15rounds are over.
    2. After 10 counts by knock out or passing out via submission
    3. After 3 counts with both shoulders are pinned on the mat
    4. A competitor gives up, or chief second throws a towl
    5. Doctor judges that a match can't be continued with injury
  5. FOULS
    1. Hitting below the belt, giving blow with fist or knee, or kicking a vital part
    2. Butting with head of shoulder
    3. Attacking opponent's eye with open glove or hand
    4. Taping on wrestler's wrist or fist
    5. Offense after referee breaks
    6. Offense after the bell rings at the end of the round
  6. RESTRICTION
    1. Boxer must follow the regular boxing rules when standing. Additionally, boxer can use punches on teh ground position. Also, boxer can use any martial art moves.
    2. Wrestler, when standing or sitting with the knee on the ground, must follow the regular wrestling rules. However, he can use punches when both fighters are standing.
    3. Break is applied when one or both fighters are stuck between the ropes or touch during a hold. In this case, both fighters must return to the middle of the ring.
    4. In case a fighter was forced out of the ring, 20 counts are given to return.
    5. Wrestler can use karate moves only if they are also used in the wrestling

    The rules above were decided by the three assigned officials:
    Vince McMahon (Sr.), Angelo Dandy, and Mike LeBelle

    Final Rules (June 23rd)

    1. TIME
      15 3min rounds, with 1min intervals
    2. POINTS
      5point system by a referee and two judges.
    3. UNIFORM
      1. Boxing trunks or pro-wrestling pants
      2. Boxing shoes or barefoot
      3. Boxing glove, karate protective glove, bare hand, or bandaged hand. Different choice can be made for each round.
      4. If used, the bandage must be approved by the opponent.
      5. Any material can not be applied on the body or gloves unless injured.
    4. DECISION
      1. Judge: total scores from referee and judges if 15rounds are over.
      2. Pinfall: After 3 counts with both shoulders are pinned on the mat
      3. Knockout: After 10 counts by knock out
      4. Give Up: A competitor or chief second forfeits
      5. Injury: If the injury makes the fighter to discontinue. However, only the preassigned doctor can judge the injury.
    5. FOULS
      1. Hitting below the belt with fist
      2. Hitting with knee or elbow
      3. Hitting vital part
      4. Headbutting
      5. Attacking eyes with fingers or open glove
      6. Offense after the referee orders a break
      7. Hitting the back of the neck or kidney
      8. Every chops used in pro-wrestling except slapping
      9. Hitting throat Note: kicks regularly used in pro-wrestling are prohibited. However, when the wrestler's knees are on the ground or squatting down, he can use foot or legs to kick the opponent's legs. Must give the opponent a chance to show his will when asking him to give up. In case a big foul is made, referee can disqualify a fighter if he continues to have fouls after the first or second warning.
    6. RESTRICTION
      1. Boxer must follow the regular boxing rules when standing. Additionally, boxer can use punches on teh ground position. Also, boxer can change to wresting style.
      2. Wrestler must follow the regular pro-wrestling rules with the exceptions mentioned above. Wrestler can not use punches when he is using holds but can hit with arm.
      3. If fighter(s) touches the rope, referee must break, and both fighters must return to the middle of the ring.
      4. If fighter(s) goes out of the ring, he must return to the ring within 20 counts.
      5. If knocked out with a punch, 8 counts are given. No offense is allowed during this time.
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